𝗕𝗨𝗖𝗞𝗬 𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗦

Masks ²

SONG REQUEST FOR THIS CHAPTER: WILLOW by TAYLOR SWIFT

972 Words

Sorry this took so long to make, I had trouble thinking of an ending to the first part.

The paper sits on the large coffee table of our new apartment as I lie back on the leather couch, a satin black dressing gown adoring my body, a thin dark red lingerie set underneath. A wide smile spreads across my face as my fingers graze over the ink on the newspaper that was delivered to the apartment this morning with our other mail. Bucky was out at this time, probably with his new business that he had recently made. We talked about him settling down years ago when he helped me escape the abusive relationship, and at the time he was adamant about leaving his reputation behind. He's always said that he has had fun being the king of New York, but wants a quiet and comfortable life. So, when my restraining order was accepted by the court, we flew from that life and ran to where we are now. Our apartment.

But my old life can never run that far from me. Even if this part makes my day as I read the paper. There is a large picture of him being dragged out of his L.An apartment, his new young blonde piece behind him, crying into her hands. I somewhat feel bad for her. There is no dignity in this picture, his hands are handcuffed behind his back, and a small group of cops holding him as they place him in the police car. Under the photo is a paragraph, describing everything that makes a wicked smile appear on my face.

'Buissniss man, Zemo Baron, has finally been sent to jail after years of abuse in his business, scamming his employers and buyers, and sexual harassment to his current and previous partners. His trial will be publicised in the foreseeable future as an outroar of the public is already gathering in the masses outside his apartment and the courthouse.

I place the paper back down on the table, leaning on the couch and looking up at the ceiling with a wide smile on my face. That asshat finally got what he deserved. I'm so transed by the euphoric feeling that I don't hear the door open, or close, and the clicking of shoes on the marble floors until Bucky stands behind me, rubbing my shoulders.

"You'll never guess what happened." I sigh. "It's all over the papers today."

I lean forward, grabbing the paper and opening it to the respective page. He takes his hand off my shoulder, leaning forward and grabbing it. But, a second later, he hands me the paperback, a small chuckle leaving his lips.

"I know."

"You know?" I place the paper back on the table.

"Of course I know," I can hear the smirk on his face. "How do you think the cops knew about the scamming?"

"You told them?" I spin around to face him.

"That asshole got what he deserved." He leans his elbows on the back of the couch, getting closer to my face. "Don't you think?"

"I mean, yeah." I smile. "I just didn't expect you to do that. I thought you weren't a part of that life anymore."

"Doesn't mean my friends aren't. They just told me what I needed and I went to the cops."

"Well, it's done now. He's gone from our lives." I stroke his arm, my eyes falling on his suit. "What's that?"

"What?" He stands back up.

"In your pocket?" I point. "That black box?"

"You sneaky little minx." He whispers, walking to stand in front of me. "This was supposed to be a surprise, and much later on. But, I hadn't thought of the right place and time yet."

"What are you talking about?"

"You." He crouches down. "You have no idea the effect you have on me, doll. I thought I was doomed to be stuck where I was all those years ago, but you helped me. You made me see that I could love someone again. And as much as I wish we had met before you went through all of this, I am glad we met when we did when I was more open-minded. Because when I saw you in that ballroom, looking stunning, I knew I was in trouble. I knew you were going to ruin me, and I would let you. And I want you to keep doing that for the rest of my life. Our lives, together." He pulls the box out of his pocket. "Darling, you are all I ever wanted love to be. And I will spend the rest of my existence proving that to you if you would let me."

He opens the small, black, velvet box to reveal a silver ring, a large diamond crested into the centre. My hands fly to my mouth and that's only when I realise that I had been crying. My eyes, with blurry vision, stare at the ring until they reach up to his face. He has a nervous smile on his face, carefully watching my reaction. There is only one way I can answer this. I never thought I would find someone who I could happily marry, build a life and live comfortably with. Especially after Zemo, I thought I was doomed to be stuck where I was all those years ago. But, he helped me.

"Yes," I choked on my words. "Yes, of course."

I fling my body into his arms, crushing his body. My sudden actions knock him slightly, making him fall on his back on the carpet, but he wraps his arms around me, laughing into my hair. When I pull back, he places the ring on my finger and captures my lips with his own, holding my face in his hands and stroking my cheek. Reminding me that after all the years of danger, he gave me a safe place to land.